Later in the afternoon (1:20 CT), the Cubs will play their fourth game against the Cardinals since 4:15 p.m. Monday – this one, against their toughest pitcher, Jack Flaherty. Here’s how David Ross’s group will line up with Alec Mills on the mound.
Chicago Cubs Lineup:
1. Ian Happ, CF.
2. Anthony Rizzo, 1B
Javy Baez, SS
4. Kyle Schwarber, LF
5. Willson Contreras, C
6. Jason Heyward, RF
7. Jason Kipnis, 2B
8. Victor Caratini, DH
9. Nico Hoerner, 3B
It’s important to note that although Jack Flaherty is the ace of the Cardinals staff, he has not been informed since opening day. That kind of dismissal will probably do more harm than good, but you just can not think so against a pitcher with his game and talent.
With that out of the way, I want to point out some individual matchup stories between Flaherty and the Cubs core:
A. Rizzo: 9-18, 2B, 3 HRs, 3BB, 2Ks
K. Bryant: 2-18, 2B, 3BBs, 10Ks
W. Contreras: 4-19, HR, 8Ks
J. Baez: 1-12, 3B, BB, 7Ks
You’re apparently not happy that Kris Bryant is not only hurting but also wrestling on the plate, but if there was ever a matchup for him to miss, this would be it. Bryant has just 2 hits and 3 walks in 21-straight appearances against Flaherty with 10 strikeouts. He has Bryant’s number.
Similarly, Contreras and Baez have hit a combined 15 times in 32 record appearances against Flaherty, with just 5 hits and a walk to their credit. Both are in the lineup today. That we should just hope for some better outcomes and some rest on Flaherty’s part.
However, look at Rizzo’s songs! The Cubs first baseman hits .500 / .591 / 1,056 against Flaherty, which equates to a 1,646 OPS… LOL. Let’s hope he can stay hot and commit a lot of the crime today.
As for the lineup itself, Happ remains on the verge of leadoff, but Nico Hoerner comes in to cover third in place of David Bote (instead of Bryant). Hoerner’s contact bat will play much better than Bote’s swing and lacked power, so all things considered this is a good move. It’s great to have a man like Hoerner around who can play at a high level all over the field at a high level.
As usual we will have your Pre-Gamin ‘post closer to the game time (1:20 CT).
